Visiting Korea on a budget or being a student here with a lot of free time, then try to go to one of these amazing free museums in Korea! Below you have a list of TOP best free museums that will make you enjoy traditions and have amazing experiences.
National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관)
Over 12,044 exhibits are always exposed as part of six permanent expositions, where the visitors can admire a multitude of national treasures of Korea, such as the Thinking Statue of Buddha (Pensive Bodhisattva), the Goryeo Celadon Openwork Burner, the Gold Crown from the Silla period, etc. The expos are divided into several floors of the building.
On the first floor can be seen two historical expos, one about, prehistory and antique history’ which presents artifacts representing the oldest proofs of the existence of the Korean culture and Korean civilization, and another one about, medieval history and the beginnings of modern history’ which exposes the artifacts from the Goryeo ( 918- 1932), Joseon ( 1392 – 1897) dynasties, and the Korean empire (1897 – 1910), describing events, conflicts, and accomplishments which marked the most important periods from the development of Korea.
On the second floor can be found expos about‚ Calligraphy and pictures’ where are displayed exhibits like Korean traditional paintings, Buddhist paintings, and calligraphy, as well as expos such as‚ Donated masterpieces’ from various collectors.
On the third floor you can enjoy expos about‚ sculptures and handcrafted works’ that include exhibits from one of the best Buddhist sculptures, works made of metal ceramics on a global scale, and the expo about the Worldwide arts exposing works that introduce universal aspects of the Asian culture while is also illustrating simultaneously the unique characteristics of each country.
More details about the museum, and how to get there as well as the functioning schedule can be found on the official website of the museum.
National Museum of Korea | https://www.museum.go.kr/site/eng/home
Address: 137 Seobingg-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 am to 6 pm
Wednesday and Saturday, 9 am to 9 pm
Sunday & national holidays, 9 am to 7 pm
Closed Mondays and January 1
Entrance fee: free
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관)
Following the ancient history and pre-Korean War lessons at the National Museum, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is the perfect follow-up.
It is split into four halls with details about the politics, economy, society, and culture: Prelude to the Republic of Korea from 1876 to 1945, Foundation of the Republic of Korea from 1945 to 1960, Development of the Republic of Korea from 1961 to 1987, Modernization and Korea’s vision of the future from 1988 onwards.
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History | https://www.much.go.kr/en/mainen.do
Address: 198 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm
Wednesday and Saturday, 9 am to 9 pm
Closed Mondays
Entrance fee: free
National Folk Museum (한국민속박물관)
Behind the Gyeongbokgung Palace is the National Folk Museum. If you want to just visit the National Folk Museum, there is free entrance.
Three main halls illustrate the history of traditional life with over 98,000 artifacts. There is the history of the Korean people through their materials of everyday life from prehistoric times to the end of the Joseon Dynasty in 1910, the Korean way of life through the villagers in ancient times, and the life cycle of Koreans highlighting the influence of Confucianism.
National Folk Museum of Korea | https://nfm.go.kr/kids/nfmkid/viewPage.do?screenId=SCREEN_ID_ENG_MAIN
Address: 37 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: Open everyday
November to February, 9 am to 5 pm
March to May, 9 am to 6 pm
June to August, 9 am to 6:30 pm
September to October, 9 am to 6 pm
Weekends & national holidays from May to August, 9 am to 7 pm
Entrance fee: free
Agricultural Museum (농업박물관)
Opened in 1987, the Agricultural Museum details artifacts and dioramas of paddy fields, traditional homes, and the marketplaces of agricultural societies.
Three exhibition halls cover the agricultural history of the past, present, and future plans: Agricultural History Hall – agricultural communities from prehistory times to the modern era, Life of Farmers Hall – models recreating the life of farm families from the olden days and Agricultural Cooperatives Promotion Hall – information on farming and agricultural cooperatives.
Agricultural Museum | http://www.agrimuseum.or.kr/
Address: 16 Saemunan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 5 pm
Closed Mondays & national holidays
Entrance fee: free
War Memorial of Korea (전쟁기념관)
One of my well-known museums in Korea is the War Memorial of Korea. It’s full of interesting displays, providing a detailed overview of the Korean War, and also has a load of old military hardware you can look at outside.
You can learn about Korea’s long history of conflict and see as well as dozens of real military vehicles and planes, this will both educate and entertain you for several hours.
War Memorial of Korea | https://www.warmemo.or.kr/LNG/main.do?lan=en
Address: 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Hours: Admission Hours9:30 ~ 18:00
Closed every Monday
If a Monday is a holiday, then they are closed the day after the holiday is over.
Entrance fee: free
Seoul Museum of History (서울역사박물관)
Featuring relics from the past few centuries, as well as modern online cyber-displays, you can really have a wonderful time.
There’s also an outdoor exhibition where you can see old tram cars, statues, and other parts of Seoul’s long history.
Visit Gyeonghuigung Palace right outside the museum for another great free attraction.
Seoul Museum of History | https://museum.seoul.go.kr/eng/index.do
Address: 55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed Mondays, January 1, mayor-designated holidays
Entrance fee: free
National Palace Museum of Korea (국립고궁박물관)
Discover ancient Chinese imperial artifacts at the National Palace Museum.
The National Palace Museum displays records, state rites, architecture, clothing, royal life, education, culture, paintings, and music of the dynasty's ruling era.
The museum contains more than 40,000 pieces of royal treasures and artifacts.
National Palace Museum of Korea | http://www.gogung.go.kr/main.do
Address: 12, Hyojaro, Jongno-gu
Hours: 10:00-18:00 * Last admission is 1 hour before closing.
Closed January 1, the day of Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day)
Entrance fee: free
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art (리움)
The Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, run by the Samsung Foundation of Culture, is dedicated to preserving and displaying two distinctly different types of art.
It houses a collection of traditional Korean art, 36 pieces of which have been designated national treasures. Time travels back to the 14th century where you will encounter ancient daggers, crowns, earrings, and ornaments. Buddhist art, sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts are also showcased.
It also features modern and contemporary art from both Korean and foreign artists. These displays of paintings, sculptures, photography, and video are in stark contrast to their traditional counterparts, representing today's new mediums and the ever-adapting and ambiguous styles to which contemporary art is growing.
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art | http://leeum.samsungfoundation.org/html_eng/global/main.asp
Address: 747-18, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu
Hours: 10:30-18:00 *Last admission is 30 min before closing
Closed Mondays, New Year's Day, Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) holidays
* Closed temporarily until further notice to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Entrance fee: free
Buddhism Central Museum of South Korea (불교중앙박물관)
The Buddhist Central Museum was established by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and opened in 2007.
The Buddhist Central Museum is a museum at the center of Korean Buddhism.
By providing education, we are striving to become a space where the public can easily understand and communicate Buddhist culture.
Buddhism Central Museum of South Korea | http://museum.buddhism.or.kr/?c=1/44
Address: Buddhist Central Museum, 55 Ujeongguk-ro (Gyeonji-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: March ~ October AM 10:00 ~ PM 18:00
November ~ February AM 10:00 ~ PM 17:00
※ Regular closed days: Every Monday, January 1 of every year, public holidays
※ Admission and viewing times may change depending on circumstances.
Entrance fee: free
※ In the case of special exhibitions, a separate admission fee may be charged, so please check before viewing.
Korean Film Museum (한국영화박물관)
A museum dedicated to everything related to Korean films. Not only does the museum strives to collect, preserve, and screen Korean films, but it is also Korea's largest archive of international and independent films. Visitors can watch and make films, and participate in special programs such as the filmmaking process experience and the Children's Film Academy Awards.
Korean Film Museum | koreafilm.or.kr
Address: 400, World Cup buk-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: Weekdays: March-October 10:00-19:00 / November-February 10:00-18:00 / Weekends: 10:00-18:00
Closed: Mondays, New Year's Day, Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day), and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) holidays
Entrance fee: free
Jeongdong Observatory (정동전망대)
The Jeongdong Observatory is a little bit hidden, which makes it an even better free thing to do in Seoul. It is located in the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Seosomun Building 1 (13th floor), you can get great views over the heart of Seoul.
You can see the nearby Deoksugung Palace and the City Hall area, which often hosts a lot of festivals and parades throughout the year.
Jeongdong Observatory | No website
Address:15, Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Hours: Open on weekdays, weekends, and public holidays from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
* Closed temporarily from February 7, 2020, until further notice to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Entrance fee: free
A peaceful retreat in the heart of Myeongdong’s bustling market area, the Myeongdong Cathedral is a nice contrast and free to enter.
Standing in Seoul for over 100 years, this imposing building is actually very tranquil inside. Walk around the inside of the cathedral, see the stained-glass windows, and learn a bit about Korea’s other major religion.
Myeongdong Cathedral | http://www.mdsd.or.kr/bbs/content.php?co_id=7010
Address: 74, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Hours: Daily: 9:00-21:00
Saturday Vigil Mass: 18:00, 19:00
Sunday Masses: 7:00, 9:00 (English), 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, 21:00
Weekday Masses: (except Monday): 6:30, 18:00, 19:00
Entrance fee: free
Did you enjoy visiting these places? Which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below and suggest other new places to write about!
Comentarios